30 Oct, 2006
Ah rats!
Cowboys coach claims family found dead rat in McDonald's salad
DALLAS - Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Todd Haley is suing a suburban McDonald's, claiming his wife and the family's live-in baby sitter found a dead rat in a salad they took home and began to eat.
(Note: This photograph made available Friday by Scott Casterline, a spokesman for the Todd Haley family, allegedly shows a rodent in a McDonalds salad. The photo has been digitally manipulated by the source to make the rat look blue.)
The lawsuit filed Thursday in state district court seeks $1.7 million in damages, The Dallas Morning News reported on its Web site.
In addition to Haley, the Cowboys' passing game coordinator who got in a well-publicized shouting match with receiver Terrell Owens earlier this month, the suit was also filed on behalf of his wife Christine and the family's au pair, Kathryn Kelley.
According to the lawsuit, Christine Haley and Kelley had eaten part of the salad purchased June 5 at a McDonald's in Southlake before the rat was discovered. The women became violently ill and endured long-lasting physical injuries, the lawsuit said.
Believed to be a juvenile roof rat, the rodent was about 6 inches long and was found on its back with its mouth opened, Scott Casterline, a spokesman for the family, told The Associated Press.
"The family needs closure," said Casterline, whose family's law firm is representing the plaintiffs. "It came to a point where you have to draw a line."
Ken Lobato, owner-operator of the McDonald's in Southlake, told the Morning News that he hadn't seen the suit and couldn't respond.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers," he said. "We maintain the strictest quality standards. We take these matters seriously and are conducting a full investigation to get all the facts.
"In my years as an owner-operator, I've never seen anything like this."
photo courtesy dfw.com & story twincities.com, 10/26/06
Leviticus 11:1-8
Clean and Unclean Animals
11:1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, These are the living things that you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth. 3 Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. 4 Nevertheless, among those that chew the cud or part the hoof, you shall not eat these: The camel, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. 5 And the rock badger, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. 6 And the hare, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. 7 And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about sin and tempting situations?
Come on now, how often do any of us read from the book of Leviticus? I don't. Do you? Usually, we think this is just one of those Old Testament books that doesn't apply much to our stories today. BUT, I think you'll see that all of Scripture is holy because God's Spirit wrote it and it is timeless because it is full of practical lessons to help us abide in Christ.
Here's the deal on today's verses from the study notes found in Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible:
11:8 God had strictly forbidden eating the meat of certain "unclean" animals; to make sure, he forbade even touching them. He wanted the people to be totally separated from those things he had forbidden. So often we flirt with temptation, rationalizing that at least we are technically keeping the commandment not to commit the sin. But God wants us to separate ourselves completely from all sin and tempting situations. Perhaps this passage has made you aware of areas of your life where you have "technical" innocence but in which you have actually been involved in sin. It's time to cross back over the line and stay there.
It'a a no-brainer what you do when you find a rat in your salad. First of all - you throw up! Then don't eat it! It's unclean.
God wants us to think no-self when we are faced with "unclean" situations in our lives. If we trust His Spirit to help us abide in Christ every day, we'll be able to make Godly choices when we face 'McSinful' tempations in our lives!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Take a few minutes to talk and listen to Jesus. If you are willing to be totally honest, Jesus will help you recognize the "unclean" areas in your life right now. Confess them and let His forgiving grace (made possible through His sacrificial death on the cross) get you clean again. Thank God and worship Him!
- Let Jesus help you write down the 5 main areas in your life where it's sometimes like finding a rat in your salad! In humility, ask Jesus every day to help you rely on His power to live clean.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
The way to apply this is obvious. BUT be careful to not make your friends and family throw up! You can use today's DAILYBIDE to share more of your story with other Christians and with those in your storysphere who are not yet followers of Jesus. When you talk about this subject of God's instructions on the "unclean", be careful to be real about your own weaknesses, without judging the other person.
NOTE: You might want to tell today's story after you have a salad at McDonalds, not during your meal. Wait a minute...for your friends with weak stomachs, you might want to wait till the next day....maybe while keeping a barf bag handy!
27 Oct, 2006
Songs that last forever!
Kurt Cobain topples Elvis as highest-paid dead celebrity
NEW YORK (AFP) - Angst-ridden grunge rocker Kurt Cobain has pushed Elvis into second place in a list of highest-earning dead celebrities, with the late Nirvana frontman raking in 50 million dollars in the past year.
The Forbes.com website ranks 13 celebrities pushing up daisies on their income and proves that death need not be an obstacle to making money, with the group collectively earning 247 million dollars in the last year.
While Elvis, who has been dead for almost 30 years, slipped to number two in the list for the first time since 2001, his estate still managed to earn 42 million dollars in the past 12 months.
Success of the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line" helped the Man in Black avoid going into the red, pulling in eight million dollars for his heirs, while late Beatles guitarist George Harrison and reggae legend Bob Marley both earned some seven million dollars, mostly through CD sales and royalties.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 10/26/06
Psalm 30:11-12
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (ESV)
How does today's God's Story teach us that God's music lasts forever?
David, the psalmist, had something in common with Kurt Cobain and yet they obviously were very different.
Kurt Cobain, the lead for the band Nirvana, was very talented but very messed up. Fighting with drugs and depression, one of his famous quotes was simply, "I hate myself and I want to die."
Sadly, he did. He took his own life. There was no evidence that he ever was willing to let Jesus rescue him and change his story in this life and for eternity. He wrote songs that live on and make money even after his death, but they don't help him now and eventually his music will fade away forever.
David also was very messed up at times. Trapped in his own sin and strugggles with depression, David often wanted to die. He also wrote songs that live on because God's Holy Spirit wrote God's music through David which are recorded forever in God's Word.
In today's scripture, David is praising God for the ultimate hope that Cobain never received. He is making a commitment to prolong his praise to God forever.
Here's something really cool to think about - as followers of Christ, we can experience the same hope and deliverance now that David wrote about. Then some day, we will stand next to David in Heaven and sing our worship to God forever!
These songs will last forever. No need for iPods. Just us praising Jesus!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Praise God right now in a prayer of gratitude for the ways He has "turned your mourning into dancing and clothed you with gladness."
- In your journal, write a praise every day to God for His faithfulness to you. If you don't keep a journal, write God a note (or a song) that expresses your own "psalm" to Him.
- For one week (don't wait for the weekly church service), spend 30 minutes a day (the same as a TV sitcom) in personal worship of God by singing, dancing, and praising while you listen to some of your favorite worship songs. Get ready for God to really use this in your life!
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
Get together some evening with a bunch of friends just to listen to some of everyone's favorite tunes. It should be pretty easy to find some moments when you can use what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE. You can learn more of their story by asking them about their music. It will probably give you the opportunity to share more of your story and maybe even some of God's musical story.
26 Oct, 2006
What's that smell?
Spoiled milk sparks school evacuation
Swartz Creek, Mich. - A plastic bottle with foul-smelling contents that was found in a men's bathroom at Swartz Creek High School two weeks ago prompted an evacuation and a visit by the bomb squad. But lab results show that the bottle contained spoiled milk.
The bottle had been sitting in a student's locker and was left on the ledge in the bathroom, The Flint Journal reported Tuesday. It was found Oct. 9 and officials initially said they believed it contained a mix of household chemicals.
"It looks like it was chocolate milk, old, spoiled and under pressure," Superintendent Jeff Pratt said.
Pressure from the spoiled milk apparently caused the bottle to expand, making it look more suspicious. Pratt said school officials erred on the side of caution, noting that possible threats can't be taken for granted.
"Two police officers and three members of the bomb squad refused to go near it or touch it, and that was good enough for me," Pratt said.
Students were evacuated to the football field and later dismissed. It turns out a student had cleaned out his girlfriend's locker, found the bottle and accidentally left in the bathroom, the newspaper said.
Swartz Creek Police Chief Rick Clolinger said the milk was inside a clear, nearly 16-ounce water bottle.
"I know that after the fact it makes us look on the silly side, that we sent kids home because of spoiled milk on the shelf," Clolinger said. "But all of the right decisions were made."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 10/25/05
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about the important issue of how we smell?
Paul lived in the day of the Roman Empire. When the Roman army would return from another battle victory, the Roman general would show off their prisoners and loot in a parade of triumph. The streets would be lined with people burning incense to honor their false gods. This aroma was sweet for the victors, but it was a foul stench for the captives because they faced slavery and death.
When we (followers of Christ) talk about God's Story and our story, it smells great to some and to others - it stinks!
Other believers will like the fragrance of Christ in us, unless they're not living to please Jesus at the time.
For those who are not followers of Christ, it may smell like death at first, because deep in their souls, the Holy Spirit will convict them of their eternal destination without the forgiveness of Christ. But this is good - it's part of God's Story - His Spirit is pointing out their need for spiritual rescue and will attract them to the sweet smell of life in Christ!
But do we smell like new life in Jesus Christ? Jesus will use our lives to be like a sweet aroma to others if we are full of His grace and love. Be honest. How do you smell?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Remember today's story - how the students had to leave the school because of the stagnant milk? Be honest. Has your relationship with Jesus been sitting on the shelf like the milk? If your life in Christ is not fresh and you suddenly try to be a "witness" for Christ, it may cause an evacuation of the area. Don't drop a religious "bomb" on others!
- Talk to God right now. Praise Him for the sweet aroma of Christ's forgiveness which keeps you from the stench of eternal death! Confess any way in which you have been smelling more like the decay of this world rather than new life in Jesus Christ. Ask God's Spirit to keep pointing out anything unclean in your life so that you will give off the fragrance of Christ to others. Thank Jesus for keeping you spiritually fresh every day!
- Memorize 2nd Corinthians 2:15 as a daily reminder of the need to smell good!
- Whenever you put on perfume, cologne, or some body spray, pray that God's Spirit will empower you to give off the aroma of Christ to others. Or the next time you smell the milk carton, let Jesus remind you to be His aroma!
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to the lives of others?
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a resource for your next youth group meeting or small group time. (Be sure to start off the discussion with sharing the smell of some rotten milk!)
- The next time you're having a meal with friends at school, at work, or with your family and milk is a beverage of choice, use today's story as a way to turn the conversation toward today's story. You can follow this up by asking the others, "How would you describe the smell of people who claim to be Christians?" This should create some interesting discussion which may give you the opportunity to share how today's God's Story affects your story.
25 Oct, 2006
Light it up!
Bostonians light 30,128 pumpkins
BOSTON - Bostonians on Saturday lit 30,128 pumpkins on Boston Common, shattering the world record for the most jack-o'-lanterns lit in one place.
"It's fantastic," said Jim Laughlin, a spokesman for Life is Good, the Boston clothing company that sponsored the event. "We've been going after this record for a long time."
The old record of 28,952 lit pumpkins had been held since 2003 by Keene, N.H. That city tried to keep up with their own attempt Saturday, but lit only 24,682 pumpkins.
In Boston, an estimated 100,000 people crowded onto the Common to slice, scoop, and sculpt pumpkins and to savor pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup. Mayor Thomas M. Menino greeted children, who were dressed as ghosts and angels.
Keene, a city of 22,000 people, did not go down without a fight. "We had more pumpkins lit than people who live here," said Alan Davis, an organizer.
The friendly competitions raised thousands of dollars for charities.
photo & story courtesy images.google.com; twincities.com, 10/24/06
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about being light?
Light is very interesting. It is noticed and it shows the way. This is true of a big building full of lights that sits on a hill or of a small candle on a table. And when you put candles inside of 30,128 pumpkins, you set a record and get lots of attention for a city!
Regardless of impact, light is something that Jesus said should characterize our lives. Is there anything in your life that is hiding Christ's light in you?
Sometimes we hide our light by not speaking up when we should, by going along with the crowd when we shouldn't, by letting sin dim our light, or perhaps by ignoring opportunities to meet the needs of others.
How can we be a light in the dark world around us?
Remember, we don't have to be a major spotlight or searchlight or even thousands of pumpkins lit up. Just being a candle of God's Truth will be noticed by someone and show them the way.
By consistently living out the life-changing Truth of Christ-like love, we are letting a little bit of His light into our world. It could help change someone's life forever!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- In today's story about the record-setting pumpkin light, did you notice that the participants had to carve and empty the pumpkins before they were filled with candles? Let Jesus help you see how your life may need to be cleaned out by his forgiveness before He replaces it with His light.
- Ask His Spirit to help you recognize the ways that you may have been hiding your light. Ask Jesus to help you be faithful to the little opportunites He gives you to be a light. Thank Jesus for always being the light to show you your next step in life as you serve Him.
- Using a Bible study guide (usually in the back), look up ten verses that use light as an analogy for living for Christ and following Him.
- For one month, write down every opportunity that Jesus gives you to be a light to someone. At the end of the month, evaluate what you have learned and make any needed lighting adjustments.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to the lives of others?
- Pray every day for Jesus to show you one opportunity to bring His light into someone's life. It might be as simple as a friendly smile at school or at work to someone who is lonely. It could be the affirmation of "way to go" to someone! It could be (you fill in the blank).
- Have a pumpkin carving party and use it as an opportunity to be Christ's light as you laugh and talk.
- Write a note of appreciation to another follower of Christ who has been "lighting it up".
24 Oct, 2006
Who am I?
Ecstatic fiancée identifies 'Amnesia Al'
He is Jeffery Alan Ingram, a 40-year-old Olympia, Wash., man who vanished on the morning of Sept. 9 when he was supposed to be driving to Alberta, Canada, to visit his parents.
Instead, he found himself on the 16th Street Mall in Denver, in front of the World Trade Center building on Sept. 10, unable to remember his name.
Family members contacted Denver police over the weekend after his story was featured on Good Morning America and the Today show.
"Obviously, I'm ecstatic," his fiancée, Penny Hansen, said Sunday afternoon. "I'm happy he's safe."
Later Sunday, she told the Olympian in Olympia, Wash., that "it's been a horrific six weeks since his disappearance. I'm anxious to talk to him and see how he's doing."
Denver police said Sunday they were able to verify Ingram's identity through the family. Until then, police had referred to him as "Al," rather than the "Alpha number" on his report file.
Police, however, do not think his disappearance or his allegation of lost memory is a joke. After consulting with doctors at Denver Health Medical Center, they think Ingram is suffering from a psychiatric disorder known as a "dissociative fugue state."
According to the Thurston County sheriff's office in Washington, where the original missing persons report for Ingram was filed, his fiancée reported that he experienced a similar bout of memory loss during a routine trip to the grocery store in 1995.
Ingram spoke to reporters on Friday but was not available Sunday. Quinones said plans call for him to return to Washington within a few days.
He has a long way to go," she said, adding that Ingram did not recognize pictures of his relatives. "He was just frustrated. He said, 'I know I should know these people - but I don't.' "
photo & story courtesy ap & insidedenver.com, 10/23/06
Isaiah 43:1-3
Israel's Only Savior
43:1 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in exchange for you. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about knowing our identity?
Isaiah is reminding God's people that they don't have to ever wonder or worry if their Savior is going to forget them. Look at these words again:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine."
God had a proven track record when it came to taking care of His chosen people and He would continue to love and provide for Israel.
The same promise is true today for any of us who have trusted Jesus to be our Savior. He knows each of His followers by name - we belong to Him - Jesus will never forget us or let us go!
When I read today's story and God's Story I identified with 'Amnesia Al' and Israel at the time of Isaiah's writing. Sometimes, I allow the circumstances of life to overwhelm me and I forget my identify in Christ. Like Israrel, I fail to remember the many times that God has delivered me and lavished His love on me. Can you identify with me on this?
Be encouraged. Just like someone (his fiancee) who loves 'Amnesia Al' remembers him, someONE who loves you and me never forgets us even when we're confused about who we are. God knows our name and He calls us His own!
How can you connect today's God's Story with your life?
- Listen to God as you talk with Him right now. Not only does He know your name, He knows everything about you, including your most pressing needs, your greatest challenge, your hidden hurt, your confused moments, your dreams about tomorrow, your.....let His Spirit communicate His love for you as you listen and reflect...
- Try to keep a written journal for two weeks, with a daily entry of one way that you recognized how God never forgets you.
- For as long as you remember to do this - every day you look in the mirror - thank Jesus that your identity in Him will never be lost.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- For someone in your "storysphere" who is not yet a follower of Jesus, you could ask him or her if they heard the story about 'Amnesia Al'? If you are truly being a good listener, Jesus will help you know if the time is right for you to transition into sharing more of your story. You could say, "I have a friend who has never forgotten me or let me down, even though I have often forgotten him and let him down."
- To encourage another follower of Jesus who seems to be forgetting his or her identiy in Christ, you could use the same line (as above) and see if he or she catches on to the fact that you are talking about Jesus? More than anything, be ready to listen with the heart of Christ. Share today's scripture and how it impacts your story today.
23 Oct, 2006
Are you going to eat that?
Officials Probe Finger-in-sandwich claim
Chowchilla, Calif. - Health officials are investigating a woman's claim that she found part of a human finger in a Subway sandwich - an allegation reminiscent of the chili bowl finger hoax at a Wendy's restaurant last year.
Two health inspectors visited the Subway restaurant Thursday in Chowchilla after the woman reported finding what appeared to be a half-inch piece of a finger a day earlier, said Jill Yaeger, director of the Madera County Environmental Health Department.
The inspectors did not find any evidence that a restaurant worker had lost part of a finger, and they found no violations of food handling procedures there, Yaeger said. The purported human digit was sent to a laboratory for testing, and the incident was reported to police.
The Subway manager, Anita Munoz, said she was in the restaurant when the woman returned with what she claimed looked like a finger.
"It looked like a thick piece of fat," she told The Fresno Bee. "It doesn't look anything human to me."
Munoz said the incident would be investigated by Subway's national headquarters.
Subway spokesman Kevin Kane said the company was aware of the woman's claim but would not comment until Madera County officials completed their investigation.
"The Subway restaurant chain takes every customer comment seriously," Kane said Friday. "We don't know what the foreign object is yet."
Chowchilla is about 90 miles east of San Jose, where a Las Vegas woman claimed in March 2005 that she bit into a fingertip in a bowl of chili at a Wendy's restaurant. Anna Ayala's stomach-turning claim made headlines around the world.
The claim was found to be a hoax and Ayala was sentenced to nine years in prison. Her husband was sentenced to more than 12 years for getting the finger from a co-worker who lost it in a workplace accident.
Wendy's, based in Dublin, Ohio, said it lost $2.5 million in sales because of bad publicity and had to lay off dozens of employees at its Northern California franchises.
Subway, which has more than 26,000 restaurants in 85 countries, is owned by Doctor's Associates Inc., based in Milford, Conn.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 10/21/06
Romans 14:12-19
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (ESV)
After reading today's God's Story, why should we recognize that our behavior affects others? What should we do or not do?
At some point we will learn whether the claim of finding "finger food" is true or just another hoax. Either way, the behavior of the person leaving a part of a finger in the sandwich ingredients or if the claim of the finger finder is a lie, Subway and many customers will be affected.
In today's passage, Paul is talking about an issue that all followers of Christ face at some time or other - our behavior's impact on others. Let me share with you a great explanation from TYNDALE'S LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE. The notes make it quite clear:
Both strong and weak Christians can cause their brothers and sisters to stumble. The strong but insensitive Christian may flaunt his or her freedom and intentionally offend others' consciences. The scrupulous but weak Christian may try to fence others in with petty rules and regulations, thus causing dissension. Paul wants his readers to be both strong in the faith and sensitive to others' needs. Because we are all strong in some areas and weak in others, we need to constantly monitor the effects of our behavior on others...
While Paul urges us to be sensitive to those whose faith may be harmed by our actions, we should not sacrifice our liberty in Christ just to satisfy the selfish motives of those who are trying to force their opinions on us. Neither fear them nor criticize them, but follow Christ as closely as you can.
So let's focus on intimacy with Christ. Then our behavior will be what's good for the whole body of Christ, not just a few "fingers".
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- Thank God for His Word which is so practical! Confess any way in which you've been insensitive about how your behavior affects others. Ask God's Spirit to help you focus on growing to be more like Jesus. Thank Him that this will help you please Christ and at the same time know how to live in such a way, that your behavior will influence others to live to please Christ.
- Pray every day for the Holy Spirit to empower you to live in a way that pleases and honors Jesus Christ. Then the "food" issues won't be a big deal.
- OK, I can't resist - whenever you eat a sub sandwich the next couple of weeks, look closely at what you're eating. Let it remind you to get your nourishment from God's Word and to be aware of how your actions impact others in the body of Christ.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
Rather than focusing on what others are eating (their lifestyle choices), or what food you can or can't eat (your rights and choices), focus on eating the Bread of Life every day (abide in Christ) and God will give you opportunities to help others "taste the Lord and see that He is good".
20 Oct, 2006
Threat of war?
North Korea nuclear tension
North Korea's resumption of its nuclear weapons program has set its neighbors and much of the rest of the world on edge.
Five nations -- the United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea -- are now piling the pressure on North Korea to curb its nuclear ambitions.
Pyongyang has said it wants a formal non-aggression treaty with the United States before it makes any move. But lately it has been dishing out a charm offensive in a bid to get Washington to be more flexible.
For its part, the United States is keen to see the standoff resolved but is standing firm amid concerns expressed by top officials that the nation is a "rogue state" holding the world hostage to nuclear blackmail.
courtesy cnn.com, 10/18/06
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)
In time, the world will find out if North Korea's nuclear threat is for real. Sadly, most of the world doesn't recognize that they are already in a war that is very real - one that involves eternity.
Today's God's Story is about our ultimate enemy, who is trying to hold our world hostage. What kind of war are we in and how do we fight to win?
Paul is teaching us to remember that Satan and his army are obsessed with the destruction of any follower of Christ.
He understood the spiritual battle that all of Christ's followers face as individuals. Paul is teaching us (just as God's Spirit told him) to unite together in our war with Satan and his fallen angels. And it will require much more than nice Christian words and ideas.
To win the war against Satan's terror, we must first receive the freedom from sin through which Satan is holding us hostage.
Then as followers of Jesus, we (the Church) must depend on the Lord's mighty power. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead! This power comes through the Holy Spirit. So how can we get this power from the Holy Spirit?
Put on every piece of God's armor and stand our ground together!
- Thank God for His Holy Spirit's power. Ask Him to help you use every piece of God's armor to battle against the Devil. Pray for other Christians around the world to answer God's call to unite together for victory over the forces of hell. Ask God's Spirit to unite your local church and to help your brothers and sisters in Christ wear God's armor every day. Ask God to unite you with at least two other Christian friends in your school, church or neighborhood for the purpose of relying on the Lord's mighty power together.
- Read through Paul's list of armor again and ask God to help you focus on the one you need the most this week. His Spirit will help you put it on.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Use the current world watch about the threat from North Korea as a way to talk about the subject of the spiritual war between God and Satan. It could be a way for you to share part of your story which includes Jesus giving you the armor to go to battle against the spiritual enemy in your life.
- If you aren't already in a prayer/accountability group, start one with two others at your school, church, or work place.
18 Oct, 2006
Trash talkin' trouble!
Miami: Punishments appropriate; 'new standard set'
CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Shaking her fist for emphasis, Miami president Donna Shalala said Tuesday that sanctions levied against 13 players for their role in a sideline-clearing brawl were fair, justified and strong enough to satisfy the university.
All that, though, came with one big caveat: Miami athletes simply can never fight again, she said.
....Meanwhile, the Golden Panthers took a much harsher stance -- dismissing two players, Chris Smith and Marshall McDuffie Jr., and extending the suspensions of all other 16 sanctioned players indefinitely.
The 16 suspended FIU players will be placed on athletic probation for the remainder of the academic calendar year, must complete 10 hours of anger management counseling, and will undertake a community service project to educate South Florida youth on appropriate behavior as related to athletics, the Miami Herald reported on its Web site Monday.
There were many instances of heated words being exchanged during -- and before -- the game.
But shortly after halftime, unsportsmanlike turned into unruly.
Bryant bowed to the crowd after catching a touchdown pass with 9 minutes left in the third quarter. Moments later, Chris Smith wrestled Miami holder Matt Perrelli to the ground and punched him, and McDuffie kicked Perrelli in the helmet.
Morse jumped onto the Smith-Perrelli pile, Singleton followed and tried to punch the Hurricanes' Calais Campbell -- and benches began to empty.
Several players from both sides appeared to throw punches. Meriweather was seen attempting to stomp on FIU players, while an injured Golden Panther swung a crutch menacingly at several Miami players.
photo courtesy foxsports.com & story sports.espn.go.com, 10/16/06
Proverbs 12:18
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story verse say about trash talkin?
All right, I know, the verse uses the word "rash", not trash. And it is saying that these "rash" words can be like a sword thrust, not a helmet smash. But you get the connection between today's football brawl story and God's Story.
Proverbs 12:18 really doesn't need explanation. In the context of the theme of wisdom in Proverbs, our words to others will show us to be a fool or someone who is full of God's wisdom.
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Answer this question honestly: Do your words bring hurt or healing to others?
- Talk some words to Jesus right now. Thank Him for the practical truth of His Holy Word. Confess any way in which you have been hurting others with words, whether to their face, behind their back, or online. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness. Ask His Spirit to help you fill your mind with God's Truth, so that you'll be full of wisdom and express words of Christ-like love toward others. Ask Jesus to use your words to bring healing to the lives of those who are hurting.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder for how God wants you to talk to others.
- If someone has hurt you with words, ask God to give you a Christ-like attitude of forgiveness toward them, even if they never apologize.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- If you have hurt someone with your words, go apologize and ask for forgiveness. It will be an example of someone who has a new story through following Christ, which is part of God's Story. It may give you opportunity to learn more of their story as they respond to your apology.
- This one may seem even harder. At school or at the work place, when you see someone "thrusting a sword" by trash talking someone in a hurtful way, intervene in a calm way without playing the role of judge. Just try to be a peacemaker while standing up for someone who is being picked on. Get ready, because this may really open up some conversation about your story.
- Use the football brawl story to discuss with others the whole issue of using words to build others up rather than putting others down.
17 Oct, 2006
Heads up on media!
Which of these have you seen, heard, or played?
Movies Top Ten Video Game Rentals
GameFly - Week Ending: 10/9/2006 Top 10 Artists on MTV.com 9/18/06 - 9/24/06
Top Ten Songs (Radio Airplay) Top 40
Launch.com Top 10 Streaming Music Videos 10/11/2006
As Viewed on Launch: Music on Yahoo! 10/13/2006 - 10/15/2006
Source: Nielsen EDI | Top Ten TV Shows rank TV Program Audience (in millions) Grey's Anatomy(ABC) 22.8 2. CSI (CBS) 21.5 3. Desperate Housewives (ABC) 21 4. Lost (ABC) 18.8 5. Dancing With the Stars (ABC) 18.4 6. CSI: Miami (CBS) 17.9 7. Dancing With the Stars Results (ABC) 17.5 8. NCIS (CBS) 15.9 9. Survivor: Cook Islands (CBS) 15.8 10. Two and a Half Men (CBS) 15.8 Top Ten Albums
Billboard Magazine, Issue Date: 10/21/2006 Top Ten Song Downloads
Source: i-Tunes, Week of 10/16/2006 Yahoo! Buzz Index
Top Searches on Yahoo! |
hot lists courtesy cpyu.org, 10/13/06
Galatians 5:16-19
Walk by the Spirit
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, (ESV)
How does the scripture in today's God's Story connect to the media in today's culutre?
In today's passage, Paul gets real specific with sensual sins. OUCH!
Every one of us struggle with evil desires. We can't ignore them. Most of them won't be noticed by others, but we all know that deep down, there's some pretty ungodly stuff being tossed around.
Paul says that if we're not letting the Holy Spirit control every part of our lives, our sinful nature is going to produce some sinful desires and result in evil.
You may not be sexually active, but if you allow your mind to be continually filled with impure values, doesn't it seem logical that in time you could become eager for lustful pleasures? Will you then have the strength to say no to sexual immorality?
If you are struggling with sensual sin, do you see the connection between what you are putting into your mind with what you are doing?
If we allow the Holy Spirit to control our minds, we will experience God's power to make Godly choices about what goes into our minds and hearts. If we don't, would we want anyone to see our TOP TEN thoughts?
How can you connect today's God's Story with your own life?
- Start by being honest about the connection between the media going into your head and your attitude, thoughts and actions.
- Thank God for the power of His Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases Him. Confess your struggle with choosing to fill your thoughts with what is Godly and ungodly. Ask His Spirit to control your mind today, for an hour, or maybe just for the next minute! Thank Jesus that He promises you to be able to do with what is pleasing to your Heavenly Father when you abide in Him.
- Memorize Galatians 5:16.
- For one week, read today's scripture every day, slowly and aloud. Listen for some new thoughts and encouragement from Jesus.
- For two weeks, keep a written journal of what goes into your mind from the media...your choices in movies, TV shows, magazines, music, video games, the internet, and the Godly stuff....like time in His Word, prayer, worship, Bible studies at church or with friends at school or the work place, a Christain book, etc. At the end of the two weeks, evaluate which is having more impact on your mind? Make any needed adjustments.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- With friends and family who are followers of Jesus, look at the hot lists together and talk about the connection to Galatians 5:16-19.
- With friends and family who are not followers of Jesus, be careful not to preach at them or judge them for their media choices. Rather, be familiar with today's media, because this is part of knowing how to connect God's Story to their stories. You don't have to see all the movies or hear all the songs to know what's going on. Check out these resources: http://www.3story.org/start/ http://www.cpyu.org/Default.aspx http://www.planetwisdom.com/ http://www.dare2share.org/
- With the mind of Christ in you and a growing understanding of God's Story, you can listen to the media perspectives and experiences of those who need Jesus and find those moments to convey spiritual truth in a loving, thought-provoking way. This is part of connecting your story and God's Story to their stories.
16 Oct, 2006
What are you swallowing?
Can a python bite off more than it can chew? Ewe bet!
In fact, after swallowing a pregnant sheep, it couldn't move at all.
Firemen in the Malaysian village of Kampung Jabor, about 190km east of Kuala Lumpur, easily caught it after it was spotted on a road.
Pythons eat no more than once a week but when they open their incredible hinged jaws, anything is fair game.
This 5.5m python found its eyes were definitely bigger than its belly.
In July surgeons were forced to operate on a 4m Burmese python after it inadvertently swallowed a queen-size electric blanket.
Humans also have become victims. In 1972 a python in Burma swallowed an eight-year-old boy.
But sometimes their food really doesn't agree with them.
In October last year, a 3.6m python came off second best in Everglades National Park in Florida.
The snake, which tried to swallow a 1.8m alligator whole, exploded, said scientists who found the gory remains.
photo & story courtesy news.com.au, 09/8/06
Job 20:15
15 He swallows down riches and vomits them up again;
God casts them out of his belly. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about God's judgment on those who take advantage of the poor?
Chapter 20 of Job is a speech that Zophar is giving to his friend Job, God's servant. It is part of their serious debate about God's control and purposes in a person's good times and bad times. Zophar is proud that he is healthy and rich and he believes that this is proof of the fact that he sees himself as being godly. (That is a messed up theological view that you will often see on religious televsion shows today.)
Today's verse (20:15) is a subject on which Job will agree with Zophar. Oppression of the poor is evil. Taking advantage of the poor and helpless is like a tasty food for the rich, but God will judge this wicked action eventually. Even if God's judgment is not seen in this earthly life, it will happen in the last judgment (for eternity).
"Ewe" know that pregnant sheep was pretty helpless. The python was very greedy. It was "cast out of his belly". Justice!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Start by being very honest. Let's ask ourselves some hard questions. How have we achieved some temporary gain at the expense of others? Have we taken advantage of someone who has less than us? Indirectly, has a worldy view on the "good things" in life and our spending habits made life more difficult for people in this world who are poor and helpless?
- Let's pray. Ask Jesus to show us our selfish greed. Let's confess any way in which we have "swallowed" up others for the sake of what we want. Thank God that as we confess this, He will help us "throw up" what is not pleasing to Him. It may hurt, but He will fill us with His love. This not only feels better - it's the right thing to do and it's part of abiding in Christ every day.
- Read Job 20 & 21 to learn more of this very thought-provoking part of God's Story.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Today's story and photo of the snake full of sheep would be a great conversation starter with your youth group, small group or family. Share it (but maybe not at the dinner table). Talk about it by looking at what Job 20:15 is teaching. Discuss some changes that are needed in your lives and brainstorm ways to reach out to those who are truly poor and helpless. Your